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Splashy Fen Revival Takes Shape

Underberg - Splashy Fen is set to wow music-loving fans both old and new with a star-studded line-up of local music acts, spiced up by special international guest artists, that will put the iconic Easter long weekend music festival on the map.

Over 25 years ago, in the rolling foothills of the Southern Drakensberg mountains, two friends decided to host a music festival. Seven short months later, over 1 200 enthusiasts from across South Africa arrived to enjoy a diverse selection of live music set in the natural amphitheatre of the Splashy Fen Trout Farm in Underberg.

2016 will see ‘The Revival’ of this iconic and much-loved music festival as Impi Concept Events, newly appointed management company, promises a bigger, better, more Splashy-esque experience than ever before.

Artists While the international headline act for the main stage is being negotiated, the event organisers have confirmed that South African icons Mango Groove will be making their Splashy Fen debuts.

Photograph supplied by Gameplan Media

Claire Johnston of MANGO GROOVE said they are really looking forward to be performing at Splashy Fen 2016. “We are super-excited! It is such an iconic festival, and we have wanted to do it for many years. Wonderful to be performing in such a beautiful setting."

“We’re really excited about our line-up and know that fans will be pleased with the quality of acts who will be performing. There is such a great selection that there will certainly be something for everyone,” said Stu Berry, Impi Concept Events Business Manager.

Other acts include GOODLUCK, DAN PATLANSKY, THE KICKSTANDS, GRASSY SPARK and CHICO MUYO, plus many more, which will be announced in the up and coming weeks on both the new website and Splashy FenFacebook page.

Photograph supplied by Gameplan Media

While ‘The Revival’ is attracting big international names, Splashy Fen 2016 will remain focused on partnering with KZN and SA artists at every opportunity, with no fewer than 85 local South African musicians performing across the 4-day festival.

What's New Berry said he was excited, enthusiastic and wholly committed to the core values of Splashy Fen. “We're calling it "The Revival" because we're bringing back all the good stuff that people have come to know and love about Splashy.

But we’re also upping the ante on everything; a massive selection of amazing artists; both local and international; our facilities will be of the highest standard, health services and security are a huge priority; with a zero tolerance approach to trouble-makers, fun-filled activities for the whole family; including a Kid Zone, and a new and improved venue layout. The whole experience is set to re-ignite the Splashy Fen flame.”

Music In its early days, the festival genre focused heavily on folk and light folk-rock with the inclusion of black music styles such as mbaqanga and isicathamiya. Over the years, this offering has grown to include mainstream, alternative rock, kwaito, rap, hip hop and pop music and in very recent years, electro.

2016 will boast a variety of stages that include most music genres, as well as an Open Mic acoustic platform for budding musicians, poets and comedians who want to share their talent with the crowds, plus an all new Sunday Jazz Session.

Tickets Splashy Fen’s new look website has been launched, allowing fans an opportunity to take advantage of the Early Bird ticket special on offer. As the cheapest 4-day music festival in South Africa, tickets will start at only R590 to the first 1000 ‘Early Birds’, R750 for General Admission Phase 1 for the next 1500 people and R795 for General Admission Phase 2.

Splashy Fen 2016 will take place over the traditional Easter weekend, from the 24th to the 27th March when festival goers will be able to enjoy a long weekend in the picturesque setting of Underberg enjoying the best Splashy Fen experience to date. Tickets are available at splashyfen.co.za.